MrsKMB

My last "normal" Viking river cruise reservation was made January 2018 for a September 2019 cruise. They wanted final payment June 30, 2018. Crazy!

My upcoming river cruise was a cancelled pandemic reservation, so it was paid in full two years ago. For my upcoming 2023 Viking ocean, I reserved it February 2021 and they wanted final December 31, 2021. I told them that was a bit ridiculous, so now it's due by November 2022, which is 6 months before sailing. 

Nothing ruins a vacation like politics. My Viking cruise was a river one. (Ocean is upcoming.) I could guess the political leanings, but I chose not to think about it. No one ever discussed it. There was so much more to talk about and everyone was lovely.

4 hours ago, createcolorfun said:

do you have to purchase the key program for each person in the cabin or just one. and if just one, will it get priority for show for all in cabin and other perks?

 

For all 6 and older. From the T&C: 

From personal experience (my daughters had less than the minimum requirement) it's a very expensive and anxiety-riddled lesson. Always check with the State Dept for the passport requirements. Carriers use the 6-month recommendation because some countries require 6 months remaining, but most are now 3 months or valid day of arrival.

Canada just needs one blank page remaining in the passport, fyi.

I'm using JoeBanana in Salerno. I went ahead and booked a private tour because I didn't want to deal with finding people to join us. If they had a small group available, I would've joined it. 🤷‍♀️

Welcome! 

Both of my DDs already have somewhat of an idea of what they want to do on our trips. One loves Yelp and TripAdvisor, while the other uses Instagram for major life decisions. 🙄 Anyhow, have you ask them for ideas? Heaven forbid you should choose something "lame." 

DD was just PCR tested at CVS drive-thru yesterday and it was free. Per CVS, check with your insurance.

I plugged-in a random AZ zip code:

Thank goodness I'm reading this between meals. 🤢

This thread is why we need a "wow" button. 

All the best to you, OP!

Where are you sailing from? If you can get it through customs, you should be good to go. I have a lot of loose tea and it looks and smells nothing like pot. 

@Mflem1278 You use your debit card. Super easy. It's actually comforting to go to Europe and know you can get cash. Check your bank for ATM fees - some reverse the transaction fees they charge, usually under $5, so even if they don't, it's still not costly.

I'll need cash for the private tours and small shops. If I have any left, I'm returning to Europe twice within the year, so it's not an issue.

Thank you for the fast reply! I haven't booked anything yet. I'll check the ferries and then decide. I just want to do it all! 😂

Getting excited for this adventure!

Kristen

@okiedrifters I am trying to decide between a tour with Blu Mediterraneo that is an ocean/coastal tour with snorkeling and stops in Positano and Amalfi, and a land only of Positano/Amalfi/Ravello with Joe Banana. Huge price difference, but I think my daughter (24) will like the water more. 

Have you made any decision? I never use tours on my own, but I'm not up for all the planning and logistics. This daughter is not the one who is great at making plans. She tends to look at pictures and make decisions. 🙄

Anyone else have input? We are not interested in the volcano, btw. 

@bennybear I'm having trouble with the train schedule and being able to visit Noto for a few hours. I read that it closes mid-day, so I'd like to do a morning visit. I can hire a car to drive us to Noto, but not one to return to Siracusa. There just isn't a good return train or bus and most tours are from Catania. Our ship leaves port at 6:00 pm. Any ideas? 

I'm happy with the change. I wasn't yet sure what to do out of Catania, so this is an easy change. It looks lovely and seems like we can just stroll on our own, which I really like!

Rhapsody of the Seas has changed a port on the June 20th sailing from Catania to Siracusa. Anyone visited there and have recommendations?

Thank you for the info, Kenster!  I am very excited about this trip!

The cruise begins September 15th in Budapest. 

Sorry if I wasn't clear. It's the Romantic Danube, starting in Budapest. After getting the times, I added an extra day to the beginning to the trip because our cruise doesn't allow for much time in Budapest. It was a costly last-minute add-on, but I don't know if I'll ever get back to Budapest.

Thanks for the reassurance, @The Other Tom. As long as it's nothing out of the ordinary, I'm fine with it.

I called Viking last Friday to inquire about the daily schedule, as I wanted to know the actual hours we will be in each port. In Budapest, the ship is moving to Vizagrad, where we re-board. The same with Passau, as it moves to Vilshofen instead of Regensberg.  It shifts again in Kelheim and Roth. We get motor coached to these. I am a little confused, and am wondering if the changes are due to the Danube water levels. Any ideas?